Bakkies honoured to face Boks

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Cape Town - Veteran lock Bakkies Botha says he is honoured to face his former team-mates at Newlands on Saturday.

Botha has been named captain of the World XV as they prepare to face the Springboks.

He leads an experienced side containing former Springboks JJ Engelbrecht (Blue Bulls) and Gurthro Steenkamp (Toulouse), with Flip van der Merwe (Blue Bulls) among the replacements.

Commenting on the occasion, Botha said:

"It’s a big honour for me and a privilege especially as it’s my last game on South African soil and to be leading a quality side onto the pitch.

"For me, it’s not about going out on the pitch and trying to do clever stuff, it’s just about going out with the guys and enjoying it. We want to put a good game together and ask as many questions as possible to prepare the Springboks for next week and the World Cup.

"To lead the team onto the pitch, you don’t get it often and I’m going to enjoy the game, respect the guys next to me and make it a memorable day. We want to get on the plane on Sunday knowing we gave it everything and we are creating memories for life.

"I don’t think many locking combinations have played so much together in history and now Victor (Matfield) and I are on opposite sides and we’re going to shake hands when we’re doing the toss and make more history. It’s very exciting and it’s going to be awesome to see Victor again.”

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